"But Levy," said Avenel, candidly, "is a decentish chap in his way--friendly too. Mrs. A. finds him useful; brings some of your young highflyers to her _soirées_. To be sure, they don't dance--stand all in a row at the door, like mutes at a funeral. Not but what they have been uncommon civil to me lately--Spendquick particularly. By-the-by, I dine with him to-morrow. The aristocracy are behindhand--not smart, sir--not up to the march; but when a man knows how to take 'em, they beat the New Yorkers in good manners. I'll say that for them. I have no prejudice." "I never saw a man with less; no prejudice even against Levy." "No, not a bit of it! Every one says he's a Jew; he says he's not. I don't care a button what he is. His money is English--that's enough for any man of a liberal turn of mind. His charges, too, are moderate. To be sure, he knows I shall pay them; only what I don't like in him is a sort of way he has of _mon-chering_ and my-good-fellowing one, to do things quite out of the natural way of that sort of business. He knows I have got parliament influence. I could return a couple of members for Screwstown, and one, or perhaps two, for Lansmere, where I have of late been cooking up an interest; and he dictates to--no, not _dictates_--but tries to _humbug_ me into putting in his own men. However, in one respect we are likely to agree. He says you want to come into Parliament. You seem a smart young fellow; but you must throw over that stiff red tapist of yours, and go with Public Opinion, and--Myself." "You are very kind, Avenel; perhaps when we come to compare opinions we may find that we agree entirely. Still, in Egerton's present position, delicacy to him--however, we'll not discuss that now. But you really think I might come in for Lansmere--against the L'Estrange interest, too, which must be strong there?" "It _was_ very strong, but I've smashed it, I calculate." "Would a contest there cost very much?" "Well, I guess you must come down with the ready. But, as you say, time enough to discuss that when you have squared your account with 'delicacy;' come to me then, and we'll go into it." Randal, having now squeezed his orange dry, had no desire to waste his time in brushing up the rind with his coat-sleeve, so he unhooked his arm from Avenel, and looking at his watch, discovered he should be just in time for an appointment of the most urgent business--hailed a cab, and drove off.